Destination Guide · The Grenadines
Union Island
Clifton Harbour, Happy Island, and the kitesurfing capital of the Grenadines.
From Canouan
16 nautical miles · 2-3 hour reach
Best time to sail
December through July. The kitesurfing season runs December–April when the trades are strongest. We anchor windward-east in Clifton; leeward-west in Chatham.
Union Island is the southern hub of St. Vincent & the Grenadines — the customs entry point for yachts coming north from Grenada and the most exposed of the inhabited Grenadines. The island is dominated by the rocky peak of Mount Taboi at one end and the long flat windward shore at the other, where steady trades have made Union the kitesurfing capital of the southern Caribbean.
Yachts anchor in Clifton Harbour, behind the reef on the east side of the island. Customs is a five-minute walk from the dinghy dock. The harbour itself is small but lively — a handful of waterfront restaurants, the airstrip's runway running along the beach, and the iconic Happy Island just offshore: a tiny man-made conch-shell island built on a sand bar, with a single thatched bar in the middle of the lagoon.
From Union, charters either turn back north toward Mayreau and the Cays, or carry on south toward Carriacou and Grenada (a deeper voyage, customs clearance required). Most week charters use Union as the southern turnaround point of the loop.
Anchorages
Clifton Harbour
The main harbour on the east coast — anchorage behind the reef, customs and fuel ashore, the Anchorage Yacht Club at the western end.
Chatham Bay
Wide, deep, well-protected leeward anchorage — a complete contrast to Clifton's busy harbour. A few rustic beach bars (Sun Beach Bar, Aquarium) for sunset.
Frigate Rock
Small offshore rock anchorage to the south — used for snorkelling and a short swim stop on the way out toward Carriacou. Shallow reef around the base.
Ashore
Happy Island
The man-made conch-shell island in Clifton Lagoon — a single thatched bar, sunset cocktails, and one of the more memorable photographs of any Grenadines charter. Tender ride.
Anchorage Yacht Club
Slightly faded but reliable — pool, restaurant, and the easiest provisioning stop in the southern Grenadines.
Sun Beach Bar (Chatham Bay)
Rustic beach bar at the south end of Chatham Bay — open by special request, lobster on the grill, candlelit dinner on the sand.
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RexSailing · Canouan · St. Vincent & the Grenadines